By now Syracuse men's lacrosse fans are familiar with the name Kevin Rice.

He has become a fixture on the Orange attack this season with six points through three games (third on the team). And most notable was Rice's heroics in Friday's game against Virginia: His overtime goal lifted SU past the Cavaliers, 9-8.

After the game Sunday, Rice said he had no words about what it felt like to score that goal. And Tuesday he was still somewhat stunned.

"I have dreamed about playing lacrosse here since I was a kid," said Rice who grew up in Skaneateles. "So to make that type of impact (in the game against Virginia) is really just amazing.

"It's still hard to describe."

Rice has been a budding lacrosse star since high school (where he also played soccer and basketball). As a senior, he led all of Central New York in scoring with 136 points (70 goals, 66 assists) and helped Skaneateles to a 17-2 record. He finished his high school career with 184 goals and 117 assists in three seasons.

Rice had considered Jacksonville, Hofstra and Loyola, but when he got the call from Syracuse it was a no-brainer.

Last season he played in six games, at times substituting as an inverted midfielder, a spot he said helped improve his speed.

But Rice said he knew he could be better. The 5-foot-8 sophomore worked on his left hand and dodges all summer, among other "little things."

And so far it seems to have paid off.

Rice stepped into a larger attack role after Nicky Galasso, who was expected to start for the Orange, was injured in practice.

"It's been an opportunity that I have gladly accepted," said Rice. "I am very confident in myself and my teammates out there and I think our offense is really gelling together.

"But it's still early, there is still plenty more that this team can do."